How to Measure Your Dog

Finding the right fit starts with good measurements. Every dog has a different body shape, so choosing a size by breed or weight alone is not always accurate.

Before selecting a raincoat, jacket, harness, or full-body suit, take a few simple measurements while your dog is standing naturally. Use a soft measuring tape, keep it close to the body, and avoid pulling it too tight.

![How to Measure Your Dog]

What You’ll Need

A soft measuring tape is best. If you do not have one, use a piece of string first, then measure the string with a ruler.

Try to measure your dog when they are calm and standing on a flat surface. If your dog is fluffy, measure over the coat without pressing the fur down too much.

1. Neck Girth

Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar usually sits.

The tape should sit comfortably around the neck, not too high under the ears and not too tight. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the tape and your dog’s neck.

This measurement is useful for raincoats, jackets, harnesses, collars, and full-body suits.

2. Chest Girth

Measure around the widest part of the chest, usually just behind the front legs.

For most dog clothing and harnesses, chest girth is the most important measurement. If the chest is too tight, your dog may feel restricted when walking, sitting, or running. If it is too loose, the garment may shift or twist during movement.

When choosing a size, always check the chest measurement carefully first.

3. Back Length

Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, following the natural curve of your dog’s back.

This helps you understand how much coverage a jacket, raincoat, or sweater will provide. For rainwear, a good back length helps protect the body from rain without covering the tail or restricting movement.

For dogs with longer bodies, such as Dachshunds, back length may be especially important.

4. Body Length

Measure from the front of the snout to the rear of the body.

This measurement gives a better sense of your dog’s full body proportion, especially for slim or long-bodied breeds. It can be helpful when comparing overall fit, product coverage, or full-body styles.

Body length is not always listed in every product size chart, but it is useful when checking whether a design suits your dog’s shape.

5. Leg Height

Measure from the underside of the chest down to the ground.

This is especially useful for full-body rain suits or styles with leg coverage. The leg area should allow your dog to walk naturally without pulling, rubbing, or limiting movement.

For short-legged dogs, such as Dachshunds or Corgis, leg height can make a big difference in comfort.

6. Back Height

Measure from the ground to the highest point of the back.

Back height helps show your dog’s overall body height and posture. It can be useful when comparing different body types, especially between slim dogs, deep-chested dogs, and smaller breeds.

7. Head Height

Measure from the ground to the top of the head.

This is not always needed for standard clothing sizes, but it can help describe your dog’s full height and overall body proportion.

Measuring Tips

• Measure twice to make sure the numbers are accurate.
• Keep the tape snug, but not tight.
• Let your dog stand naturally. Avoid measuring while they are sitting, stretching, or lying down.
• For fluffy dogs, measure over the fur without compressing it.
• If your dog is between two sizes, choose based on the product type. For jackets and raincoats, the larger size is often more comfortable. For harnesses, the fit should be secure and adjustable.

Final Fit Check

After your dog tries on the item, check that they can walk, sit, stretch, and sniff comfortably.

The garment should not pull under the front legs, press around the chest, or feel tight around the neck. A good fit should stay in place while still allowing natural movement.

When in doubt, compare your dog’s measurements with the size chart on each product page before ordering.